Keith Pompey

Inquirer Staff Writer

I’ve long dismissed the notion that the 76ers would jump at the chance to draft Cody Zeller if he’s available at the No. 11 pick in the June 27 NBA draft. As The Inquirer’s former Temple beat writer, I’ve covered Zeller against the Owls in the NCAA tournament. Let’s just say that I was not impressed.

Temple’s Anthony Lee manhandled the 7-foot center/power forward from Indiana in the East regional third-rounder the Hoosiers won, 58-52.

If the GMs working out Zeller think he's going to make a seamless transition to the 4, he's probably gone before he reaches the Sixers. But if he isn't, he's a great fit in a depleted Philly frontcourt and could be a real steal for the Sixers.

- Chad Ford, ESPN.

Observations: Zeller, who left Indiana after his sophomore year, could be viewed as a risk for a franchise coming off a 34-48 season. He does several things soundly. He has a high basketball IQ, runs the floor well, is skilled around the basket and has three-point range. However, he lacks strength and the physicality needed to flourish in the paint against NBA caliber post players.

Observations: McCollum is a scoring machine, who can take opponents off the dribble and scorch them on three-pointers. However, he needs to become a better ballhandler to excel as an NBA point guard and may lack the size to be a dominant NBA two guard.